I’ve been running the RF 100-300 for a few months and tested a few filters out of curiosity. The Breakthrough X4 UV ended up being the cleanest option for me when I need front protection. No noticeable loss in sharpness or contrast even when shooting into the light.
Most of the time I still prefer going without a filter and just keeping the hood on. It feels more natural and I’d rather wipe the front element than risk a cheap piece of glass degrading an image.
For the Arizona heat question, I wrapped my Zemlin hood with a light gray LensCoat cover. It helps with heat shimmer and gives a bit of grip when removing it in the field. The fit is tight but works fine if you line it up before twisting it on.
Really love this lens so far. Once you get used to the balance and the short hood, it becomes second nature to handle.
Verxion wrote:
I’m used to using the lens hood as my primary front element protection and in nearly four decades of shooting I’ve never even once had an issue.
…the lens hood though on this lens is much shorter and also this is not an inexpensive lens!
I’m curious what people have done for filters on this lens with a specific eye toward it:
1. Most critically NOT affecting image quality
2. I know it isn’t going to be cheap but I’d also prefer not to spend money just for the sake of spending money
Thanks in advance!
-Verxion
I just pay for canon care at time of purchase *always*; It has paid for itself many times over. (Minor scratch on 400 f2.8 lens front element, fixed for $0, R5 crapped out and they sent a refurb one).
